Mine Entra attracts more exhibitors

Published: 30 September 2018

THIS year's 23rd edition of the Zimbabwe premier mining, engineering and transport, Mine Entra exhibition has attracted more exhibitors compared to the previous showcase, an indication of renewed confidence in the country's investment opportunities.

The annual expo, which is organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company and traditionally held in July was this year postponed to pave way for the country's election period.

This year's exhibition will be held from 10 to 12 October under the theme: "Mineral Beneficiation: Catalyst for Economic Growth".

ZITF Company board chairperson, Ms Ruth Ncube, said 93 percent of the exhibition space had been sold.

"Currently the exhibition is sitting at 7 124 square metres of space sold, compared to 4 414 sold at last year's show. The space sales represent 93 percent of space made available for sale and a 41 percent increase in space sold at last year's edition of the show. Based on an overwhelming interest in the event, supplementary exhibition space has been availed with an additional exhibition hall being opened and more external sites being put to use," she said.

The number of companies that have booked exhibition space to date has also increased from 153 last year to 215 with the number of foreign countries participation at the showcase also rising from one to three.

"The increase in foreign interest is reflective of a growing confidence in the Zimbabwean mining industry and strong international interest in doing business with Zimbabwe," said Ms Ncube.

Three countries, China, Japan and South Africa would be represented by individual companies.

There has also been a growing interest among local companies with 22 percent of the exhibitors being new entrants.

"In terms of local participation, 22 percent of confirmed exhibiting companies will be participating for the first time. This positive response is testament to the fact that more companies are recognising Mine Entra as the most important international business-to-business meeting point for the mining and related industries in Zimbabwe and that any serious player in the market needs to take advantage of the opportunities being proffered by the show," said Ms Ncube.

Meanwhile, ZITF Company marketing and public relations manager Ms Stella Nkomo said the second edition of the Women in Mining Conference is expected to be one of the major attractions at this year's Mine Entra. Over 150 delegates are expected to take part as new industry players and seasoned players present studies and stories about how they opened doors, overcame challenges and created opportunities for themselves and others in the mining industry.

"Presenters at this session include top female executives from the country's largest mining houses, small-scale mining operators, founders of female-owned businesses from both up and downstream as well as the highest representation from the Ministries of Mines and Mining Development and Women, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development," said Ms Nkomo.

A youth professionals' forum would also be held on the same day.

"In line with our inclusivity thrust, registration fees have been heavily subsidised to encourage wide participation by target groups. Attendance at the Women in Mining Conference will be $20 per delegate while young professionals will be required to pay $10 for entry into the relevant forum. To assist us deliver on this objective, we invite like-minded corporates and individuals to partner these events," said Ms Nkomo.

The event will be officially opened by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando. - zimpapers